Gloucester-Hartpury trio confirm retirement

Gloucester-Hartpury stalwarts Rachel Lund, Ellena Perry, and Bianca Blackburn have all announced their retirement from rugby at the end of the current campaign.

The trio have all played their part in the Cherry and Whites' success over the past three seasons, and will be hoping to secure a fourth consecutive crown in a few weeks time.

Having joined in 2017, Lund is The Circus's all-time record appearance-maker in the modern era, and has balanced life on the pitch with Gloucester with her career as a physiotherapist.

"For a long time, I have known that when the day came to play my final rugby game after 25 years in the sport, I wanted it to be in a Gloucester shirt, representing this club, my teammates, and my family," Lund told the club website. , external

"It has been an honour and a privilege to call Gloucester Hartpury my home for the past nine years. I am incredibly grateful to the club and the staff who have supported me throughout my time here.

"The experiences, opportunities, and friendships I have gained along the way are something I will always treasure.

"To be part of such a group has been one of the highlights of my career, and one of the reasons I know I can step away from the game content, with a smile on my face."

Ireland international prop Perry joined Gloucester for the 2019/20 season and, after the birth of her first child, returned to action in 2023.

She played an important role in the club's second successive Premiership title-winning campaign, and represented Ireland at the 2025 Rugby World Cup and the 2026 Women's Six Nations.

"Making the decision to retire hasn't been easy because rugby has been such a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember," Perry said.

"Joining Gloucester Hartpury in 2019 was one of the best decisions I ever made. To be part of this club's journey and to help create the success we've enjoyed together is something I will always be incredibly proud of.

"To the coaches, staff and supporters, thank you for supporting me throughout my time here. I can't wait to watch what comes next for this incredible club."

Former England international Blackburn joined The Circus after a career at Worcester - where she won the Premiership title - and a triumphant 2017 Women's Six Nations campaign.

Her career with the Cherry and Whites coincided with a job in the police.

"Rugby has shaped so much of who I am, and looking back on my journey, I feel incredibly fortunate for everything the game has given me," said Blackburn.

"To every coach, teammate and member of staff who has supported me throughout my career, thank you.

"As I move forward in my career with the Police, I do so with immense gratitude for everything rugby has given me. Gloucester Hartpury will always be a special place to me, and I'll forever be proud to have been part of The Circus."